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Reviews
Tsuyogari caponata (2019)
Enjoyable, but has some moments where I'm like "What the heck did I just watch?!"
On a very simplistic way, the main plot has nothing that hasn't been done before.
It revolves around 2 men who were in love, and then apart for 7 years as one moves to Italy, while the other stays in Japan.
On his return they meet, the man that went away wants to pick up their relationship where it stopped and convince the other to go away with him, but the one that stayed behind is reluctant to reignite their love, specially because he is running the family business, and doesn't want to leave his parents (I believe).
It needs a third man to enter the scene for the reluctant man to realize what he was giving away.
I haven't seen many Japanese films, and most of the time the film seems to flow nicely, although it has some moments where I'm like "What the heck did I just watch?!".
Visually, it has very nice scenery and was pleasant to watch. The music in some parts has a guitar (with a bit of a European tone to it), and was a surprise that I enjoyed.
Beyto (2020)
Has flaws but worth watching
The film centres around a culture crash, between living in Turkey (west) and Switzerland (east), in regard to homosexuality, forced marriage, and cultural peer pressure/oppression.
The script has some flaws, and isn't deep, but is enjoyable and still relevant and thought-provoking.
The scenes are pleasantly shot and transmit some authenticity, specially the scenes in Turkey.
The main actors are attractive, although there was some lack of skill amongst the cast, which left me concerned earlier, but it did improve. Although only a few characters get some development/growth, we do get to see their background, which can lead to some understanding on their views.
One of the parts I enjoyed the most was also the soundtrack, as the music is good, without crashing into pop stereotypes, and is very well applied to the scenes, amplifying the culture differences.
Praxis (2012)
Brief view over a tradition.
The movie is a short overview of the traditions that take place in most universities in Portugal, it shows small parts of what happens throughout some universities, so some things depicted here are transversal to all universities, and other things are only relevant in some specific areas.
Praxis can be considered a form of haze, sure, but there are also good things coming from it, including inclusion on a new world which could be encouraging when someone is away from home and where people may not know anybody around, and many bonds can be formed at this time, like it was depicted.
On the downside, the movie lacks some background/ context of why things happen, and the story behind of the praxis itself, like explaining the hierarchies and how praxis connects with universities and community.
Students are also entitled to say no to some things, it's not like there is only one alternative for things to happen, and that isn't showed here.
Said all this, I was a Portuguese student, I passed through some of this, and I'm supportive of praxis, so this did get me a bit nostalgic. If you have passed through it, the chances are that you will get a bit nostalgic as well.
Code Name: Dynastud (2018)
Good heart, Great comedy, but lacks some quality.
If you sat through the first 15min then keep watching!
I'll start with what I didn't like: first off I could say it appears to be done on a micro-budget, as it lacks quality, and special effects are often bad.
Then the plot isn't the greatest, as it seems another movie making fun of other hyped movies, or exaggerating situations nearly to a ridicule. The acting in some parts looks more like a theatre play than an actual movie, I didn't like the whole cast, but some did do well in their parts. Soundtrack also could have been improved, although I was surprised and amused on a few instances.
Said all of this, the good: it's a GREAT smart comedy, and if you are not easily offended, you will likely laugh your ass off in several occasions! Also, it's a critic to some of today's issues and overall social problems, and transmits a message of acceptance and tolerance very much needed in today's world.
Overall a movie to watch when you need to relax and improve your mood.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
A classic!
A great movie, that happens mainly on the french Moulin Rouge (hence the name), and which talks about love on a very musical way.
17 years have past, and I think this should be considered as a classic by now, and surely if you like musicals mixed with romance, this film is a must see.